Buffer Sizing 802.11 Based Networks
We consider the sizing of network buffers in 802.11 based networks. Wireless networks
face a number of fundamental issues that do not arise in wired networks. We demonstrate
that the use of fixed-size buffers in 802.11 networks inevitably leads to either
undesirable channel under-utilisation or unnecessary high delays. We present two novel
dynamic buffer sizing algorithms that achieve high throughput while maintaining low delay
across a wide range of network conditions. Experimental measurements demonstrate the
utility of the proposed algorithms in a production WLAN and an lab testbed.
We implemented the proposed algorithms in both NS-2 and Madwifi driver. The code can be downloaded from here.
Have fun!
Tianji Li
The Hamilton Institute, NUIM, Ireland
25 Jun. 2008.
